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United Nations University Communications Associate


Organizational Unit    :    International Human Dimensions Programme (IHDP)
Reference Number    :    2012/UNU/IHDP/CA/PSA/09
Applications to    :    hrbonn@vie.unu.edu
Closing Date    :    9 December 2012
 
United Nations University Objectives:
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching and capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States. For more information please visit http://unu.edu.
International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP):
IHDP, hosted by the United Nations University (UNU) in Bonn, Germany, is an international, interdisciplinary science programme, dedicated to promoting, catalysing and coordinating research, capacity-development and networking on the human dimensions of global environmental change. Its mandate is to provide international leadership in framing, developing, and integrating social science research on global environmental change and to promote the application of its key findings. IHDP is a joint programme of the International Council for Science (ICSU), the International Social Science Council (ISSC) and the United Nations University (UNU). The IHDP Secretariat (UNU-IHDP) facilitates the development of IHDP’s programme and implements the strategic priorities. Its core functions encompass coordination of research activities, capacity building, organization of major events, and dissemination of results. For more information please visit http://www.ihdp.unu.edu/
 
Communications department
The department primarily serves the IHDP Secretariat and IHDP research projects and partners. Offered services include running the website and social media platforms, coordinate various outreach activities, liaise with the press and produce press materials on behalf of the programme and manage the production of the programme’s publications and identity materials.
Responsibilities:
Under the authority of the IHDP Executive Director (ED), the successful candidate will be entrusted with the following tasks:
Website and Social Media
  • Maintain and update the design of IHDP’s online presence, including its website and social media platforms to promote awareness
  • Oversee website content
  • Collaborate with the communications editor to develop and maintain a content strategy
  • Post content from programme collaborators
  • Develop visual and multi-media content
  • Ensure that the website is up-to-date and accurate at all times
  • Serve as primary point of contact for all inquiries regarding the website
Publications
  • Design and implement programme’s printed publications and promotional materials from concept to printed product
  • Develop concepts for images and layouts
  • Procure and create culturally sensitive and scientifically accurate photographs and illustrations
  • Prepare print files and oversee printing process
  • Disseminate information as appropriate, including brochures and quarterly digital newsletters
Other
  • Oversee the implementation of IHDP’s corporate identity
  • Manage various outreach activities and coordinate communications-related activities as appropriate
  • Administer contact databases
  • Develop and maintain digital letterheads, templates, presentations and reports
  • Develop, update, and reprint collateral materials as necessary
  • Provide administrative support to the communications department
  • Maintain relationships with programme and project partners and general audiences
  • Collaborate with other UNU entities as appropriate in relation to communications activities and goals
  • Provide support with the planning of events
Required Qualifications and Experience:
  • Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Graphic Design, Communication Design, or related field
  • Minimum 2-3 years proven experience designing for print and screen-based media
  • Excellent command of written and oral English ; German and other UN languages would be an asset
  • Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Solid understanding of layout, typography, color and other design principles
  • Strong writing skills with excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to multi-task and adapt to various assignments
  • Ability to work with all levels of staff and other departments
  • Highly organized, creative and articulate with excellent people skills
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Good team player with a strong ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Desirable Experience and Competencies:
  • Knowledge of HTML, CSS and Content Management Systems
  • Experience designing for international, and/or scientific entities
  • Personal commitment to IHDP’s mission
Remuneration:
Remuneration will commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Duration of Contract:
This is a full-time employment on a one (1) year Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU-IHDP.
The successful candidate will not hold international civil servant status nor be a "staff member" as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
Applications from suitably qualified women and candidates originating from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Starting Date:
As soon as possible.
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants should submit their applications by e-mail to hrbonn@vie.unu.edu, and must include the following:
  • a cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position;
  • a completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11) form downloadable from United Nations University website at http://www.bonn.unu.edu/article/read/job-vacancies. Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations;
  • full contact information of three (3) referees; and
  • an indication of the reference number of the vacancy announcement 2012/UNU/IHDP/CA/PSA/09